This season’s edition of the Emirates Cup will be special. On Sunday, Arsenal will face the New York Red Bulls, on Sunday, Arsenal will face Thierry Henry.

Speaking to Arsenal’s official website, the Frenchman explained that he remembers clearly when the Gunners faced Barcelona in the Champions League, a game he started on the bench and an experience – that of facing his old Club – described by the Arsenal legend as “weird”, as the “worst possible draw” as well as “playing against a brother”.

This weekend, the 33-year old will step on the pitch of the Emirates knowing that it’s “just a friendly” as he confessed that it will be a complete different experience than the one in the European Cup.

Asked if he’s still in touch with his old team mates, Henry concluded by saying that he speaks to Bacary Sagna and Johan Djourou on a regular basis and that he is also in touch with manager Arsene Wenger, captain Cesc Fabregas and striker Robin van Persie.

Ahead of Sunday’s game, Henry said:

When I came with Barcelona in the Champions League, I was on the bench and came on. It was a weird experience. That was the worst possible draw for me. Obviously I had to play hard and try to help my team.

But it was if I was playing against my brother. I had a job to do but, you know, you love your brother and you don’t ever want to hurt your brother. This time, I think, will be completely different. It’s a friendly game, for a start.

We’ll be trying not to take a beating, though. Of course, I’m still in touch with the guys. I speak to Bacary Sagna and Johan Djourou regularly.

And to the Boss, obviously. Robin [van Persie] and Cesc [Fabregas] came over this summer to watch a game. I can watch all the Arsenal games on TV.